Faculty and students in the Department of Physics and Astronomy provide outreach and educational opportunities to campus and community through events and Laws Observatory access.
 

Columbia Young Scientists Fair and Expo

Faculty and students participated in the 2026 Columbia Young Scientist Fair and Expo, an annual outreach event organized by the Division of Research, Innovation, and Impact of the MU provost’s office. The turnout of this event is usually 400-500. Our department has had a significant presence at this event for the past three years. We had several tables of displays and hands-on activities with a team of student volunteers. The department also hosted an open house.

Laws Observatory

Laws Observatory on top of the Physics Building continues to be utilized for outreach and education on a weekly basis. Wednesday night viewing for the public is open (weather permitting) all year except during the coldest months and during a mid-summer break. There are many other activities for special events. The observatory often provides live streaming on Facebook at the observatory and off-campus locations. The observatory is run by student volunteers and by Valentine Germann and Randall Durk of the Central Missouri Astronomical Association. 

Val Germann was featured in the COMO Magazine regarding astronomy in Columbia.